THE WALDO THEATRE OPEN CASTING CALL

THE 25 TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

AUDITIONS: SUNDAY, MAY 4, 1PM AND TUESDAY, MAY 6, 6PM

CALLBACKS: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 6PM

PERFORMANCE DATES: Evenings Sept. 6, 12, 13, Matinees Sept. 7 and 14

Synopsis: Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical that has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor, a joyful night of comedy and quirk that celebrates the pursuit of victory and the gift of being true to oneself.

Featuring a wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and vibrant score by William Finn, an eclectic group of six tweens (each portrayed by adult actors) will do anything it takes to be reigning champion of the bee- all under the watchful eye of three equally quirky grown-ups.

While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their private lives, these “middle schoolers” spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser.

About The Waldo production: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be directed at The Waldo by Soren Barker of Boothbay with choreography by Niall Lessard of Damariscotta. The show is being produced by George Bates of Waldoboro. 

Auditions:

An open casting call will be held on Sunday, May 4 beginning at 1pm or Tuesday, May 6 beginning at 6pm. While walk-ins are welcome, you are encouraged to schedule your audition time online in advance to best utilize your time and the time of the casting team.

RESERVE A SUNDAY, MAY 4 AUDITION SLOT HERE

RESERVE A TUESDAY, MAY 6 AUDITION SLOT HERE

The Waldo invites all members of the Midcoast community to audition for one of 9 to 14 roles, including the six competitors, spelling bee staff, and parents. No stage experience is required, though most (but not all) roles require advanced singing capabilities for both solos and tight harmonies, as well as some dance movement skills. All auditioners will be considered for all roles, though you may indicate a role preference (if any) at audition.

SEE CHARACTER ROLE DESCRIPTIONS AND VOCAL RANGE REQUIREMENTS HERE

Your audition should include delivery of a monologue you have prepared, a short demonstration of your singing ability, and may or may not include cold side readings.

• Monologue: Please prepare a 1-minute to 2-minute monologue, ideally a comedic piece. Memorization is not required, and you may have your monologue with you at your audition. We will also have monologue options available at The Waldo on the day of your audition, but strongly encourage you to bring a piece that you have thoughtfully prepared that best demonstrates your comedic acting abilities if possible.

• Music Selection: Please prepare a short musical theatre piece at least 18 bars that best demonstrates your singing abilities. (Please do NOT select a song from this show.) Bring with you an appropriate backing track on a Bluetooth enabled device (cellphone, etc) There will be no live accompaniment available at the auditions.

Questions? Email show producer George Bates at george@georgebatesbmc.com